The Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture reiterated that Hungary will not engage in bilateral talks with Ukraine over the current trade frictions that have sparked an international dispute. The ministry pointed to the World Trade Organization mechanism, noting that Ukraine has taken its case to the WTO, but that the interests of EU member states are represented by the European Commission rather than by individual capitals. This stance aligns with the bloc’s practice of handling member state concerns through Brussels, ensuring unified representation in trade forums and negotiations with third countries. [Citation: Official statements from the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture and EU trade policy guidelines]
In its communique, the ministry stressed that while Ukraine could pursue dispute resolution steps within the WTO framework, Hungary would not serve as a direct negotiating partner. The European Commission acts on behalf of all EU members in these matters, and any response to measures affecting the import of agricultural goods would be coordinated through EU channels. The ministry underscored that, in every instance, the European Commission consults with the Council and the Parliament and remains steadfast in defending Hungary’s economic interests across full EU deliberative and regulatory processes. [Citation: EU trade policy procedures and EC statements]
The Hungarian clarification comes after Kyiv’s decision to bring concerns to the WTO, which has also involved three European states that have refused to lift restrictions on Ukrainian grain imports. The move signals Kyiv’s broader strategy to challenge perceived trade blockers at multilateral risk assessment bodies, while Brussels emphasizes unity among member states in line with common agricultural policy and market measures. [Citation: WTO dispute documentation and EU agricultural policy briefings]
Earlier on September 18, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia reportedly declined participation in the European Commission’s coordination platform on grain supply issues. Reports cited by the Polish news agency PAP indicated these countries chose to step back to avoid potentially sharing sensitive data that Kyiv could potentially use in later negotiations or actions. The decision was framed as a precautionary move to protect national and regional agricultural interests rather than a sign of broader discord within the EU framework. [Citation: PAP agency reporting and EU coordination platform disclosures]
Previously, in Poland, serious questions were raised about Ukraine’s export strategy and the underlying reasons for the allegations that have accompanied Kyiv’s grain export policy. The national conversations have highlighted tensions between rapid export needs, market stabilization, and the bloc’s collective trade posture. Throughout these developments, EU institutions have repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified position in agricultural trade, while respecting the diverse interests of individual member states. [Citation: EU trade policy summaries and Polish media coverage]